Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism and Hospitality

Purpose

The aim of the qualification is to develop the applied competencies of the learners to an advanced level in research, analysis, interpretation and understanding of Tourism and Hospitality. Through a Doctoral dissertation, the learner will show evidence of independent research via quantitative or qualitative methods or a combination of both. This will enable learners to solve complex problems in society and to ensure the sustainability of the Tourism and Hospitality industries.

Rationale

There has been a large amount of interest shown from potential learners to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism and Hospitality (PhD in Tourism and Hospitality). With the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) being a leading and flagship school in the field of Tourism and Hospitality, it would make sense to move to the next and highest level of academic offering. The institution can establish itself as the leader in the field of Tourism and Hospitality and can successfully differentiate itself from other local universities.

The qualification will deliver Postgraduate learners who will be able to satisfy the growing need in the industry and academies for professionals with research and practical grounding. This is fast becoming the established trend internationally as well. Other benefits of offering the PhD would be that the institution will be in a better position as a contributor of intellectual capital and will attract more academically orientated learners and staff for Tourism and Hospitality.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts RPL as an integral part of the academic programme and as an initiative to support transformation of the education and training system in South Africa. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to the institution's qualification so as to promote lifelong learning. This is reflected in the vision and mission of the institution.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission

• A relevant Master of Technology or a relevant Master's Degree.

This qualification consists of one compulsory module, which is at NQF Level 10 - research thesis totalling 360 Credits.

1. Design and implement at a high level of originality and quality, an original independent research of significance to the tourism and hospitality sector a discipline or cross-disciplinary field, or a project(s) addressing an important problem or research question concerning theory and/or practice in the tourism and hospitality profession or industry in line with standards set by the national and international research community.
2. Present, using one or more media, a substantial and intellectually coherent product or products such as a thesis, dissertation and artefacts, or exegesis and portfolio of creative work and performance, for submission to external examination against international standards.
3. Gather, access and use resources and information for research and application within the tourism and hospitality sector.
4. Achieve a high degree of abstraction when analysing and synthesising information and demonstrating a high level of epistemological sophistication in reflecting on information within a specialised area of research within the tourism and hospitality profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The comprehensiveness, reasoning and depth of the research undertaken is established.
• Use of statistical data analysis (qualitative and or/quantitative research method) in line with the requirements is consistently applied.
• Alignment of hypothesis, research objectives, questions, theoretical framework, analysis and recommendations made is developed.
• Methods used to ensure validity of research are clarified.
• International comparability of the research is established.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The ability to present the results of research that complies with criteria supported by the research community is demonstrated.
• Technological tools in presenting information and statistical data analysis are appropriately used.
• Clear knowledge and understanding of the researched problem and the possible solutions to the problem is demonstrated.
• Own analysis and recommendations made are academically defended.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Information gathered using appropriate data collecting methods such as sampling, questionnaires, interviews, inclusive of the use of library, electronic and other retrieval methods is evaluated and used.
• All relevant sources and resources used in the research undertaken are integrated and recorded.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Synthesising of information into a coherent body of knowledge is appropriately done.
• Own analysis to existing theories is critically related.
• The chosen field of study and the problem identified for the research are epistemologically engaged.
• The values of enquiry, critical thinking, creativity and open-mindedness are engendered.

Integrated Assessment

A research thesis will be submitted as proof of applied competence of this qualification. The feedback from the supervisor will therefore be regarded as formative assessment. The final acceptance of the thesis will be regarded as summative assessment.